GTC Planning Committee - Minutes

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GENESEE TRANSPORTATION COUNCIL

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Ontario County Municipal Building

Canandaigua, New York

April 19, 2007

 

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT

James Fletcher, Monroe County At Large

Daniel Hallowell, NYSDOT Region 4

Harriet Haynes, Seneca County

Kristen Mark Hughes, Ontario County

Paul Johnson, Monroe County Planning Board

Scott Leathersich, Monroe County At Large

Terrence J. Rice, Monroe County

David Woods, Livingston County

David Zorn, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council

ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

David Cook, RGRTA, representing Mark Aesch

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT AND UNREPRESENTED

Jeffrey Adair, Monroe County

James Brady, Wayne County

Philip Brito, FAA

William Eick, Orleans County

Robert Griffith, FHWA

Timothy Hens, Genesee County

Paul Holahan, City of Rochester

Fred Humphrey, Wyoming County

William Leslie, NYSTA

Tracy Logel, Monroe County Supervisors Association

Edward Muszynski, Empire State Development Corporation

William Sullivan, Rochester City Council

Charles Thomas, Rochester City Planning Commission

Chris Wilson, Yates County

(Vacant), City of Rochester At Large

(Vacant), FTA

(Vacant), NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Kevin Beers, GTC Staff

Deborah Elliott, GTC Staff

Erik Frisch, GTC Staff

Larry Greiner, Village of Clyde

Mark Kenward, Erdman Anthony

James McIntosh, City of Rochester

Richard Perrin, GTC Staff

Christine Quinlan, Village of Avon

Robert Scholl, NYSDOT Region 4

Rob Slaver, NYSDOT Region 4

James Stack, GTC Staff

Phil Swanson, Village of Avon

 

1. Call to Order & Introductions

David Woods, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Members, Alternates, and others present introduced themselves.

2. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.

3. Approval of Minutes

Scott Leathersich moved for approval of the minutes from the February 15, 2007 Planning Committee meeting; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.

4. Reports and Action on Old Business

a. Reports on UPWP Projects and Other Activities

Richard Perrin explained that next month the Monthly Progress Report will include projects new to the FY 2007-2008 UPWP. Projects completed during FY 2006-07 will not be on the new report. This months report reflects information provided at the February 15 Planning Committee meeting.

GTC

Richard Perrin reported:

         GTC staff discussed assignments for FY 2007-2008 with respect to new projects, continuing projects, and on-going activities, including how to advance non-required but still important initiatives.

         No progress to report on the Rural County Resource Development Initiative.

         Activities since the last Planning Committee meeting and next steps in development of the LRTP: 2007-2027 Update will be discussed as part of agenda item 5.b.

         Primary efforts of Air Quality Planning and Outreach have been put towards the development of the Draft Transportation Conformity Determination for the 2007-2027 LRTP Update and 2007-2012 TIP. A recent major development is the proposal by NYSDEC to the EPA to re-designate the Rochester MSA from basic nonattainment to maintenance for ground level ozone. Published in the April 4, 2007 edition of the Environmental Bulletin, the proposed re-designation is the result of clean data for the last three years, 2004-2006. Per SAFETEA-LU, this will have no impact on CMAQ funds as basic nonattainment and maintenance are weighted equally. The State Implementation Plan Local Task Force met via conference call with NYSDEC on April 5. GTC hosted the call and is preparing a summary for distribution to affected agencies. GTC staff continues to monitor the designation of areas for the new PM 2.5 standard which may affect the Rochester MSA.

         Draft site reports for Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, and Yates counties prepared under the Transportation and Industrial Access Phase 2 project have been reviewed by GTC staff. Staff are currently reviewing the Genesee County draft site report.

         The GTC Travel Demand Model Enhancement project is progressing with special generators count data provided to the consultant. Calibration counts by direction are complete.

         Project presentation of the Bicycle & Pedestrian Supportive Code Language project has been delayed as staff have progressed the LRTP Update, TIP, and Conformity Statement.

         Recommendations of the Greater Rochester Transportation Operations and Management Organization Feasibility Study continue to be implemented through the Transportation Management Committee which met March 20 and reviewed a draft scope of work for the ITS Strategic Plan Update.

         All four Priority Trails Advancement projects are progressing. Field work is complete for the New York Central Westshore Rail-to-Trail and Lehigh Valley Railroad Rail-to-Trail projects and newsletter articles have been developed. Steering Committees are being formed for the Citys Erie-Attica Railroad Bridge and Penfield Irondequoit Creek Stream Corridor projects with kickoff meetings scheduled May 2.

         The On-Street Bicycle Facility Opportunities Review project has been on hold while staff are advancing other activities and projects.

         The Pedestrian Facilities Inventory project is on hold until an intern can be hired in late-Spring/early-Summer.

         A consultant has been selected for the Village of Perrys Circulation, Accessibility, and Parking Program (CAP) project and a contract is being executed. The Village of Hilton CAP project selection committee met April 12 to review the nine proposals received and shortlisted two firms for interviews tentatively scheduled for May 3. Fifteen proposals were received for the Village of Macedon CAP project by the April 15 deadline.

         The Congestion Management Process (CMP) is being advanced as part of the LRTP: 2007-2027 Update. Capacity and incident-related congested links have been identified for consideration by the LRTP Development Committee. GTC staff are fulfilling an FHWA request for information on the status of the GTC CMP.

         The Travel Time Data Collection Assessment final project report was accepted by the GTC Board at the March meeting.

         A revised draft report is under internal review for the Strategic Plan for Public Transportation in Yates County and will be distributed to the full Steering Committee prior to the second public meeting.

         No progress to report on the Transportation Information Resources project.

         Notification was received April 5 that GTC will receive $280,000 in Statewide Planning and Research (SPR) funds to supplement the $120,000 in UPWP funds for the Regional Goods Movement Strategy. A scope of work will be drafted and a committee formed to review the draft scope of work prior to issuing an RFP.

G/FLRPC

David Zorn reported:

        G/FLRPC staff are pulling together databases for the Local Update of Census Addresses - Phase 1 project. County and municipal outreach and training sessions were held during the first two weeks of March. Staff have and continue to provide presentations to County Legislatures and Boards of Supervisors.

         Eighty-seven percent of the surveys for the 2006 Regional Land Use Monitoring report have been returned. Data entry is wrapping up and the report is under development.

         The final draft for the LRTP Non-Air Environmental Scan project has been submitted to GTC for review.

         Draft recommendation reports to the Villages of Scottsville and Newark have been reviewed by local steering committees for the Preparing Village Main Streets for Planning project. Suggested revisions have been addressed and will be delivered to local steering committees. Second public meetings have been scheduled in both villages. Public comments received at these meetings will be integrated into the final reports for each village. The guidebook is under development with most sections completed.

         G/FLRPC is meeting with corridor municipalities and developing a report for the Optimizing Transportation Infrastructure through Effective Land Use project.

Monroe County

Paul Johnson reported:

         All but two communities have returned their surveys for the 2006 Monroe County Land Use Monitoring report. A report will be produced shortly.

         Graphic design work on the Monroe County Parking Study is complete and the report is expected to be distributed in June.

Terrence Rice reported:

         Progress is being made on the Accident Rate Database project. The consultant has identified a methodology using GIS for locations with no count data.

         The Monroe County Overhead Traffic Sign Visibility Upgrade study is progressing and is approximately 35 percent complete.

         No progress to report on the Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity Study. The project is on hold pending new guidelines from FHWA.

         An executive summary for the Safe Passing Zone Survey is being developed and is expected to be presented in May.

         Four additional locations have been analyzed and twelve are on the active list for evaluation as part of the Monroe County High Accident Location Program project.

         The Pedestrian Activity Safety Study is complete.

Ontario County

Kristen Mark Hughes reported:

         The State Route 96 / State Route 318 Rural Corridor Study is a joint study with Seneca County. An RFP was issued. The deadline for proposals is April 20.

         The Canandaigua Regional Transportation Study is complete.

City of Rochester

James McIntosh reported:

       The draft final report for the Port of Rochester Transportation Evaluation and Support Study is nearly complete.

        The City of Rochester Vehicle Fleet Alternative Fuels Systems Study is progressing; the city would like to have this project complete prior to beginning the green stations CMAQ project.

        The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Concept Design and Implementation project is on hold pending staff resources and budget requirements.

       The Center City Parking Development & Management project is underway with a kickoff meeting held March 2. The project should be complete before the end of the calendar year.

RGRTA

David Cook reported:

         The Market Research for Regional Transit Service project is 88 percent complete. The consultant is contacting firms with 50 or more employees regarding their needs. Completion is expected in June 2007.

        The Steering Committee for the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan met last week and the project is underway.

        The Security and Safety Plan for Public Transportation project is complete.

        Preliminary findings have been developed for the RTS/Lift Line Operational Analysis & Facility Utilization Study. RGRTA expanded the scope of this study using its own resources to identify alternative locations for Lift Line.

        The RTS Fare Modification Study is complete.

        RGRTA Route Analysis is an on-going project for the Scheduling Department.

Genesee County

Richard Perrin reported:

         No progress to report on the Genesee County Safe Passing Zone Survey.

Wayne County

Richard Perrin reported:

         The Cluster Development Enhancement Project Feasibility Study draft report is being completed.

         A public meeting for the Palmyra Route 21 Truck Traffic Study was held on February 28 to present existing and future conditions. The next step is to identify alternatives.

Robert Scholl noted that a draft report is available for review. James Fletcher, Terrence Rice, and Kristen Hughes each requested to review the draft report.

Richard Perrin offered to notify the Wayne County Planning Department of this request.

Wyoming County

 

Richard Perrin reported:

        No progress to report on the Transportation Elements of Scenic/Historic Resources in Wyoming County project.

Other Agencies

Richard Perrin reported:

         The RFQ for the Regional Traffic Count Collection project will be advertised in the NYS Contract Reporter before the end of the month.

         The draft final report for the New York Route 96 Traffic Signal Coordination Study was reviewed at the March 21 Steering Committee meeting.

         The draft final report for the Erie-Attica Railroad Bridge and Trail Feasibility Study will be discussed as part of agenda item 5.e.

         A public meeting for the Meridian Centre Boulevard Extension Study was held February 28 and a draft report is being developed.

         A Steering Committee for the Route 250 Corridor Study was held April 5. A public meeting to review existing and future conditions and needs will be held April 24. The consultant for this project is FRA.

         A kick off meeting for the Williamson Route 104 & Route 21 Gateway Concepts project was held March 28. The consultant for this project is Clark Patterson Associates.

b. Any Other Old Business or Announcements

Richard Perrin announced that the GTC Executive Committee is meeting April to discuss candidates for the vacant Vice-Chairperson position, air quality redesignation, and policy on GTC position statements.

On April 9, Richard Perrin met with Acting NYSDOT Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn and NYSDOT Region 4 Director Kevin OBuckley to discuss regional issues and GTC activities.

Richard Perrin received informal notification that GTC requests for Statewide Planning and Research funding for the ITS Strategic Plan Update and Diversion Route Planning Initiative were not selected by NYSDOT Main Office.

Dan Hallowell informed the committee that NYSDOT was notified by FHWA of a $3.5 billion rescission of which New York States share is $163 million. This will affect apportionments, not allocations. States are allowed to determine what fund sources to reduce. In recent years, NYSDOT gave back primarily CMAQ funds but is now spreading the rescission across multiple fund sources. Dan highlighted rescission amounts by fund source.

David Woods asked if this would affect the TIP. Dan responded that it will not impact any existing projects. David Cook asked about the impact on Renaissance Square. Dan Hallowell reiterated that no programmed projects are impacted.

Richard Perrin stated that he would like to know if Interstate Maintenance funds allocated to the NYS Thruway Authority will be used to meet this rescission. Terrence Rice asked what this rescission will affect. Dan Hallowell responded that it would impact future allocations.

James Fletcher asked the reason for the rescission. Richard Perrin explained that SAFETEA-LU authorizes funding at levels that are typically less than the level that is ultimately authorized for programming by MPOs and state DOTs.

5. Action Items

a. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning adopting the 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program / Proposed Council Resolution 07-5

Richard Perrin updated the committee on the TIP and the 45-day public review period that ended April 6, during which four public meetings were held and 125 comments were received. He noted that the TDC reviewed the comments received and recommended only minor changes; therefore, a subsequent 10-day public review is not being recommended.

Richard Perrin noted changes to the Proposed Council Resolution 07-5 including the consolidation of Title 23 and Title 49 fund sources. Richard also noted the addition of a rollover clause so that TIP amendments are not needed for every existing project that is not obligated prior to the start of the new TIP. Such a clause is used by other MPOs in New York State.

Exhibit 1 includes new projects recommended for funding and existing projects recommended for additional funding.

Projects currently included in the existing 2005-2010 TIP which, because of their timing, will roll forward into the 2007-2012 TIP are not included in this package but will be in the final 2007-2012 TIP document.

Consistent with past practice, the complete 2007-2012 TIP document will be presented to the GTC Board for consideration. Some adjustments to non-federal funds will be made to account for previous expenditures.

The most comments received were regarding the Route 31/414 project in Clyde with 20 in support of the project and nine requesting that the project limits be expanded. There was also significant support for ultra-clean switcher locomotives. There was no significant opposition to any project on the list.

The projects included in the Draft 2007-2012 TIP were analyzed to measure their impact on air quality and energy consumption. A quantitative analysis demonstrates that the projects included will decrease the emissions of VOC, NOx, and CO2 and the amount of direct energy consumed. Direct energy is consumed by the vehicles using the transportation facilities. Indirect energy consumption which is the energy consumed to construct a transportation facility was also analyzed for the build scenario.

The resultant Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions from these analyses are the same as in the Transportation Conformity document that will be discussed in Agenda Item 5c.

A qualitative analysis for air quality and energy consumption also suggests that the projects included in the Draft 2007-2012 TIP should result in decreased emissions and direct energy consumption.

An environmental justice analysis was also conducted to examine the equity of investments proposed for inclusion in the Draft 2007-2012 TIP by assessing their impacts on minority and low-income populations. Projects located in or adjacent to low-income and minority block groups as defined by the US Census were analyzed.

Projects with a discrete location (not including projects such as bus replacements or green stations) were evaluated for their likely benefits and impacts on the minority and low-income populations in the region based on accessibility, mobility, congestion, safety, and recreational opportunities. Environmental justice target populations should receive equitable shares of the benefits and impacts resulting from the transportation projects in the Draft 2007-2012 TIP.

Richard Perrin noted that Tom Pericak of the NYS Thruway Authority was unable to attend but expressed the Authoritys agreement with the Draft TIP.

David Woods noted a need to edit the wording of the resolution to establish proper tense on the rollover clause. The Committee concurred with the suggested change.

James Fletcher asked if there was a set percentage of funding allocated to highway preventive maintenance. Richard Perrin responded that there was no dedicated set-aside. The TDC was able to find a balance through the deliberation process.

Terrence Rice noted that this evaluation process tended to cluster capital projects and maintenance. Richard Perrin added that this method allowed for the best possible projects, whether reconstruction or preventive maintenance, to be funded and that we will now be able to see how funding preventive maintenance impacts the transportation system.

Terrence Rice moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 07-5; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

b. Planning Committee action concerning approving the DRAFT Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2007-2027 Update Public Review Document for 30-day public review.

Richard Perrin discussed the public review document and gave highlights of the proposed changes since the adoption of the LRTP: 2005-2025 in December 2004. Richard explained the public review process.

James Fletcher moved to approve the DRAFT Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee Finger Lakes Region: 2007-2027 Update Public Review Document for 30-day public review; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

c. Planning Committee action concerning approving the DRAFT Transportation Conformity Determination for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region: 2007-2027 Update and 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program for 30-day public review

Richard Perrin explained that the regions nonattainment designation requires that the Long Range Transportation Plan and Transportation Improvement Program must receive positive conformity determinations.

GTC and NYSDOT-Region 4 staffs have worked cooperatively to develop this document. The conformity statement will be submitted to the Interagency Consultation Group for comment and must be made available for a 30-day public review period. Public comments received during the public review period for the draft conformity statement will not impact the Long Range Transportation Plan or Transportation Improvement Program.

Richard noted that, consistent with the previous conformity statement, GTC staff chose to use the build less than 2002 test and to show the build less than no-build test results for informational purposes. The next steps are to present these findings as part of LRTP public review period pending ICG concurrence.

James Fletcher asked if a challenge to the methodology during the public review period is possible. Richard Perrin responded that although it has never happened in New York State, it is always a possibility.

Dan Hallowell stated New York States preference for using the build versus no-build test as being more representative of the true program impacts and that he would abstain from the vote.

James Fletcher moved to recommend approval of the DRAFT Transportation Conformity Determination for the Long Range Transportation Plan for the Genesee Finger Lakes Region: 2007-2027 Update and 2007-2012 Transportation Improvement Program for 30-day public review; Scott Leathersich seconded the motion. The motion passed with one abstention.

d. Planning Committee action concerning classifying FY 2007-2008 Unified Planning Work Program tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Policy.

Richard Perrin discussed the Public Participation Policy requirement for classifying UPWP projects as Administrative, Technical/Data Collection, or Planning/Policy. This action only applies to new UPWP projects.

Richard discussed specific classification recommendations with special emphasis on Task 5601 and Task 6410 noting that, although these projects will have a direct impact on the public and are therefore proposed to be classified as Planning/Policy, they are of a highly technical nature and the intent of the Public Participation Policy is not applicable in these cases.

Terrence Rice moved to approve classifying FY 2007-2008 Unified Planning Work Program tasks in accordance with the GTC Public Participation Policy; James Fletcher seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

e. Recommendation to the GTC Board concerning accepting the final project report, Erie-Attica Railroad Bridge and Trail Feasibility Study, as evidence of completion of UPWP Task 6251 / Proposed Council Resolution 07-6

Phil Swanson from the Village of Avon introduced the study. Mark Kenward of Erdman Anthony presented the study process and recommendations.

Harriet Haynes asked about the distance from the railroad bridge to Routes 5 & 20 along Farmers Road. Phil Swanson noted it was 0.2 miles. Mark Kenward added that the whole trail, from River Road to Routes 5 & 20, is approximately two miles long.

Terrence Rice asked for clarification on the culverts needed on the west side of the river. Mark Kenward responded that the bridges were removed after the railroad was abandoned but the abutments remain. Given current conditions, culverts are sufficient. Rob Slaver noted that these bridges were needed for flood protection control prior to construction of the Mount Morris Dam. Terrence Rice added that this project is proposed for inclusion on the 2007-2012 TIP.

Phil Swanson noted that this study dates back to the Regional Trails Initiative Phase I. Richard Perrin added that this is a good example of the project development process from concept to implementation.

David Cook asked who would be responsible for maintaining the bridge. Mark Kenward noted that New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is expected to take ownership of the bridge and would be responsible for its maintenance.

James Fletcher asked if the trail would be paved. Mark stated that it is expected to be compacted stone dust, with the possibility for a paved section along Farmers Road.

Scott Leathersich moved to recommend approval of Proposed Council Resolution 07-6 ; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

f. Planning Committee action concerning various amendments to the 2005-2010 TIP

Richard Perrin explained the provisions of Resolution 78-4 which governs Planning Committee action on TIP amendments.

1. Action concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Mill Road project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 07-1

2. Action concerning amending the 2005-2010 TIP by modifying the costs of phases of the Garnsey Road project / Proposed Planning Committee Resolution 07-2.

Terrence Rice explained the need for modifying the costs for the projects to reflect unanticipated right-of-way acquisition costs. There is no change to the overall cost or scope of work of either project since the construction cost would be reduced to offset the right-of-way costs.

David Woods suggested grouping the two resolutions together under one vote. The Committee concurred.

Kristen Mark Hughes moved to recommend approval of Planning Committee Resolutions 07-1 and 07-2; Dan Hallowell seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

g. Approval of UPWP Project Scopes of Work

1. Task 8300 RGRTA Suburban Transportation Service Study

2. Task 8421 Facility Asset Management Plan for RTS & Lift Line

3. Task 8422 RTS Operational Process Study

David Cook discussed the proposed UPWP Project Scopes of Work.

Richard Perrin noted that RGRTA coordinated with GTC staff regarding the classifications for public participation that were discussed under agenda item 5.d.

Terrence Rice asked if there were firms that do public transportation operational studies. David responded that there are firms that analyze transit operations as they relate to the physical layout of facilities.

Kris Hughes added that there is also an operations process component to this type of study. David Cook responded consultants will likely team with others to submit a proposal that covers the full range of the study.

Terrence Rice moved to recommend approval of UPWP Project Scopes of Work, Task 8300, Task 8421, and Task 8422; David Cook seconded the motion. The motion passed unopposed.

6. New Business

Richard Perrin noted that the printed FY 2007-2008 UPWP document is now available.

Dan Hallowell stated that NYSDOT has adopted a new finance plan. The State is planning to use advanced construction of federal funds to make up for a shortfall in State Dedicated Funds (SDF). NYSDOT will be proposing several amendments to the TIP Development Committee (TDC) in May.

James Fletcher asked for clarification on which TIP would be amended. Dan clarified that they would seek to amend the 2005-2010 TIP.

Terrence Rice asked where these federal funds are coming from. Dan responded that NYSDOT is proposing to increase the amount of federal advanced construction funds above the level currently used. He added that the current New York State approach is very conservative relative to other states.

Terrence Rice asked if the current conservative approach has harmed the state. Dan Hallowell responded that he did not think the current approach has been harmful to the state. Terrence Rice asked if the proposed approach could be harmful. Dan Hallowell responded that the proposal is to change from six-months of advance funding to one year of advance funding. Discussion ensued on the process of using advanced federal funding.

Terrence Rice asked, if there is more federal funding available than we were led to believe, why that additional funding is only available to NYSDOT. Dan Hallowell responded that the original intent of this change was to address the shortfall in SDF funding. Dan added that he will be able to answer more questions at the May TDC meeting. Rob Slaver noted that this change will allow both local and state projects to move forward.

7. Public Forum

No one from the public spoke during the Public Forum.

8. Next Meeting: May 17, 2007 Rochester City Council Chambers

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.